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IOC visits Madrid as part of 2020 Olympic bid process

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 17:29:18 GMT

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29 April 2013: Australian Jesse Williams drafted in fifth round by the NFL's Seattle Seahawks

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Merchandising for the Madrid 2020 bid
Image: Donperfectodewiki.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) Evaluation Commission is in Madrid, Spain this week as part of the city's bid to host the 2020 Summer Olympics.

Sir Craig Reedie of Great Britain is leading the IOC delegation, whom Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy greeted at the start of their inspection process. Of the fourteen-member bid delegation, five have been through this process before as part of the city's failed bids for the 2012 Summer Olympics and 2016 Summer Olympics bids.

Buen Retiro park in Madrid
Image: Onanymous.

On a cold but sunny day yesterday, the IOC visited four sites on their first inspection date including Real Madrid's Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Buen Retiro park and bullfighting ring Las Ventas. Today, the IOC is scheduled to visit the proposed venues for the Olympic village and stadium. The inspection is scheduled to last four days.

Inside of Santiago Bernabeu
Image: Chris Brown.

While at Santiago Bernabéu, IOC members met the Spanish national football team captain Iker Casillas and were given Real Madrid jerseys with their names on them.

As Spain is currently undergoing severe economic problems at the moment, with 26% unemployment currently and public debt in 2012 at 84% of the country's gross domestic product, the €1.5bn (US$1.9bn, £1.3bn) costs of the Games have been a highly visible aspect of the city's bid process. Security costs are estimated to add another €149m (US$192m, £127m) to organizing costs. Proponents of the bid including Madrid's mayor Ana Botella believe the Games would provide an economic boost to the city and the country. IOC President Jacques Rogge is also on the record as stating that he does not believe Spanish economic problems will play a part in the IOC's decision-making process. Spanish newspaper El Mundo quoted Rogge saying, "The crisis does not affect it, because substantial facilities have in most cases already been built. No major investment is needed".

Botella outlined some of the costs, quoted by the Associated Press during the IOC visit saying, "The budget that remains for the construction of infrastructure, some 1.5 billion [euros] divided between the three administrations responsible and over a period of seven years, is a perfectly affordable amount."

Local organizers have promised to follow the legacy of London, using historical landmarks and existing venues with 80% of proposed venues, 28 of 35, already in place, and providing a roadmap for future development of Olympic sites to avoid any "white elephants" that are unused after the Games, a situation that happened with a number of Athens Olympic venues. Madrid's bid Chief Executive Victor Sánchez, quoted by Agence France-Presse, explained they avoided "[p]rojects that have no real use for citizens after the Games have finished. That is why we have given priority to existing infrastructures and then to other infrastructures that the city has a direct need for. Finally, where a future use cannot be guaranteed, we have opted for temporary solutions. Only three such temporary solutions will be used, while a mere four permanent facilities remain to be built. The result is lower costs, reduced environmental impact and less disruption to the everyday lives of the people of Madrid, all with government backing at central, regional and municipal level."

Local organizers are preparing to cope with protesters trying to draw attention to Spain's labor situation who planned to picket outside the Hotel Eurostars Madrid Tower where IOC members are staying. The planned protest is over cuts to the Municipal Government budget. Protesters did not picket yesterday, which was a holiday in Madrid. Bid organizers and the government feared potential strikes by people working for the public transport system. Botella explained to the media that protests and work stoppages should not be seen as evidence that Spaniards would not welcome the Games, but rather unhappiness with local economic issues, which Botella said the Games should help fix. Spain's current unemployment level is the highest of any European country and the worst the country has faced since the 1970s. Botella's view is supported by an IOC survey, which found 81% of Spaniards supported Madrid's bid for the Games.

Madrid is one of three cities currently competing for the 2020 Games. The IOC visited Tokyo, Japan earlier this month and is scheduled to visit Istanbul, Turkey later this month. The host city is to be formally selected at a meeting of the IOC on September 7 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Shortly after that, Rogge is scheduled to step down from his position as IOC President.

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Sources [edit]

Jesus Minguez. "El COI eleva el apoyo popular en España: 81 por ciento" — Diario AS, March 19, 2013 (Spanish)
Duncan Mackay. "Madrid 2020 off to good start but demonstration fears cast a shadow" — InsideTheGames, March 18, 2013
AFP. "Olympics: Madrid mayor hails first day of IOC visit a success" — GlobalPost, March 18, 2013
AP. "IOC begins Madrid inspection" — ESPN, March 18, 2013
"LEAD: IOC evaluating commission begins four-day visit to Madrid" — Europe Online, March 18, 2013
Lauren Davis. "Eight years after the Athens Olympics, some venues have been left to rot" — io9, August 4, 2012

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Australian Paralympian Janet Shaw dies aged 46

Tue, 04 Dec 2012 21:14:49 GMT

This article mentions the Wikimedia Foundation, one of its projects, or people related to it. Wikinews is a project of the Wikimedia Foundation.

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

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Peter Marsh at a Wikipedia workshop in 2011
Image: Leighblackall.

Western Australian Paralympic bronze medalist Janet Shaw has died following a long battle with cancer. She was 46 years old.

A vision impaired cyclist, she and pilot Kelly McCombie earned a pair of bronze medals at the 2004 Summer Paralympics in the individual pursuit and road race/time trial events. She also won four medals at the 2002 IPC Cycling World Championships. Beyond cycling, Shaw worked as a motivational speaker and author, having written two memoirs, Beyond the Red Door and a follow up called Bit of a Super Hero: Choosing the Challenge – My Journey with Cancer.

Australian national team coach said of Shaw, "I was privileged to be a National Coach with the Australian Paralympic Team for Athens and have a role with Janet and Kelly leading into those Games. They dedicated themselves so solidly together, and came away medaling in two events.... Janet said losing her eyesight was the best thing that ever happened to her because it eventually led her to where she was standing, waiting to achieve glory in Athens. That quote has stayed with me ever since. She was an amazingly strong person who actually saw more than us."

This is the second recent death of an Australian Paralympian. In late November, another Australian Paralympian, Peter Marsh of Queensland, died at the age of 64. He competed at the 1976 Summer Paralympics, 1980 Summer Paralympics and 1984 Summer Paralympics. Prior to his death, he was active in a project to document the history of the Paralympic movement in Australia on Wikipedia.

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Sources [edit]

This article features first-hand journalism by Wikinews members. See the collaboration page for more details.

APC Media. "Vale Paralympian Janet Shaw" — Australian Paralympic Committee, December 4, 2012
"Vale Peter Marsh" — Sporting Wheelies and Disabled Association, November 27, 2012

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Greece defeats Portugal in boccia match at 2012 London Paralympics

Wed, 05 Sep 2012 09:57:57 GMT

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

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Big smile from Greek competitor on clinching gold
Image: Laura Hale.

Greek and Portuguese pairs prep for their shots
Image: Laura Hale.

Players during the fourth end
Image: Laura Hale.

London, England— Greece defeated Portugal on Tuesday in the boccia BC3 pairs gold medal match, by four points to one. 2012 is the eighth Paralympics since the introduction of the sport, which is similar to lawn bowls.

The Greek pair Nikolaos Pananos and Grigorios Polychronidis won three sets, and lost one, against Portugal's Armando Costa and Luis Silva by scores of 2—0, 1—0, 1—0 and 0—1. They enjoyed enthusiastic support from Greek fans repeatedly shouting, "Bravo!" after each took their respective shots. Following the Greek win, supporters broke into rhythmic clapping, continuing their flag-waving and chanting. One of the Greeks competitors rolled his electric wheelchair around, whilst smiling and posing for photos.

Georgian-born Polychronidis holds an accounting degree from the Athens University of Economics and Business. He came into the London Games as a silver medallist from the BC3 individual event at the Beijing Paralympics. Having spinal muscular atrophy, he took up the sport at university where he was introduced to it by George Tzimas.

With London being Pananos's debut Paralympic Games, he only took up boccia competitively in 2007 and took part in both individual and team events at these Games. Pananos, who has cerebral palsy and is retired, is coached by Andreas Keramidas and plays his club boccia for ASAX Eidiki Olympiada.

Portugal qualified for this match after beating South Korea 4—3 in the semi-finals. The Greeks earned their gold medal round opportunity after beating Belgium who went through pool play undefeated. Portugal won two of their three matches in pool play, losing one, and taking 14 points with only four scored against them. In pool play, Greece won two matches, lost one, and took eight points versus 13 points against them.

Boccia, which is similar to lawn bowls, was first played at the 1984 Summer Paralympics. As a Paralympic sport, it is played by people with cerebral palsy and similar locomotor conditions; players are divided into four different classifications based upon their functional ability.

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Cyprus seeks EU bailout

Mon, 25 Jun 2012 23:08:10 GMT

Monday, June 25, 2012

Cyprus

Sources [edit]

Alkman Granitsas. "Cyprus Requests Aid From Bailout Fund" — The Wall Street Journal, June 25, 2012
Dan Bilefsky. "Cyprus Becomes 5th E.U. Member to Seek Rescue" — The New York Times, June 25, 2012

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Australian Stingers stung by US at FINA World League Final gold medal match

Sun, 03 Jun 2012 20:42:26 GMT

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29 April 2013: Australian Jesse Williams drafted in fifth round by the NFL's Seattle Seahawks

Sunday, June 3, 2012

(6) Bronwen Knox during a test match between Great Britain and Australia earlier in the year
Image: Laura Hale.

In the gold medal match at water polo's FINA World League Final tonight between the Australia Stingers and United States women's national water polo team, Australia lost 4–6 to the USA in the last major competition before the 2012 Summer Olympics. The victory made for seven World League Super Final titles for Team USA.

At 7:00 p.m. Chinese local time, 9:00 p.m. Australian local time, the game got under way, with a Tweet from Australian Water Polo for fans at home who could not watch the game live. The Australians were down at quarter time, 1–2 with the team's only goal coming from Bronwen Knox off a pass by Kate Gynther. By half time, Australia had battled back to take the lead 4–3, only to finish the third period tied 4–4 with the United States, and eventually lose 4–6.

In the lead up to the World League Final, the Australians spent time in Singapore before departing for China. While in Singapore, players had an opportunity to relax at the pool and several, including Knox, Rowena Webster, Nicola Zagame, and Melissa Rippon were very active on Twitter.

The team arrived in Shanghai and the Shanghai Institute of Sport a week before the start of the FINA Super League Finals. During their week-long preparation, they worked on strength and fitness training. When away from the pool, they did not have access to Twitter, Facebook, or television and had to entertain themselves using other means. Players finally explored the city six days after their arrival.

Australian assistant coach Ryan Moar in Canberra
Image: Bidgee.

With limited opportunities for amusement in the hotel room during the competition, assistant coach Ryan Moar updated his Twitter account and played with a toy helicopter. Several of the players who were active on Twitter before departing for China stopped updating, including Webster, Rippon, and Zagame. Knox and Moran continued to provide updates on Twitter and Instagram throughout the competition.

Australian game days during the tournament included warming up poolside before the start of their games, and cooling down in the pool after them. Going into their match against the USA, they notched an 8–7 victory over China, an 18 to nil victory against Germany, and a 9–7 overtime shootout win against Russia.

On gold medal game day, Jane Moran updated her Twitter account to say "Final of World League Super Finals today v USA - goooo Stingers! ‪#stingerspride". About eight hours prior to game time, the team finished their final training session. Earlier in the afternoon, prior to game time in Australia, Channel 9 ran a feature on the team. Prior to the start of the game, the Australian Stingers official team Twitter account mocked Team USA for their team-branded k tape. During the pre-game warm up, team members did a variety of things including playing with their phones, warming up, and getting their arms taped. It was business as usual for the team that had beaten the United States the previous month at the VISA Water Polo International.

The bronze medal match between the China women's national water polo team and Greece women's national water polo team preceded the gold medal game, which Greece won 8–7, with quarter scoring of 1–2 in the first, 4–2 in the second, 1–2 in the third, and 1–2 in the fourth. In the other match, the Russia women's national water polo team easily beat the Germany women's national water polo team 18-4.

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Sources [edit]

This article features first-hand journalism by Wikinews members. See the collaboration page for more details.

"2012 Women's Results" — FINA, June 3, 2012
"Women's Programme" — FINA, June 2, 2012
WaterpoloAus. "WaterpoloAus" — Twitter, June 3, 2012
Nicola Zagame. "Nicola Zagame" — Instagram, May 11, 2012
Rowena Webster. "Rowena Webster" — Twitter, June 3, 2012 (date of access)
Nicola Zagame. "nicziggy" — Twitter, May 16, 2012
Melissa Rippon. "Melissa Rippon" — Twitter, June 3, 2012 (date of access)
Ryan Moar. "ryanmoar" — Twitter, June 1, 2012
Ryan Moar. "Ryan Moar" — Instagram, June 1, 2012
Jane Moran. "JaneKMoran" — Twitter, June 3, 2012
WaterpoloAus. "WaterpoloAus" — Twitter, June 3, 2012
Nicola Zagame. "Nicola Zagame" — Twitter, June 3, 2012 (date of access)
Rowena Webster. "Rowena Webster" — Twitter, June 3, 2012 (date of access)
Bronwen Knox. "China" — Blogspot, May 23, 2012
Bronwen Knox. "Bronwen Knox" — Instagram, May 27, 2012
Bronwen Knox. "Bronwen Knox" — Twitter, June 1, 2012
WaterpoloAus. "WaterpoloAus" — Twitter, June 3, 2012
AussieStingers. "AussieStingers" — Twitter, June 3, 2012
WaterpoloAus. "WaterpoloAus" — Twitter, June 3, 2012
Lynne Morrison. "lynne_s_morrison" — Instagram, June 3, 2012
Lynno01. "Lynno01" — Twitter, June 3, 2012
WaterpoloAus. "WaterpoloAus" — Twitter, June 3, 2012
AussieStingers. "AussieStingers" — Twitter, June 3, 2012
Lynno01. "Lynno01" — Twitter, June 3, 2012
Zhou Xin. "Super Final 2012 (Women): Australia and USA will play decisive match for gold" — FINA, June 2, 2012

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Australian women to meet USA in water polo's FINA Women's World League Super Finals gold medal game

Sun, 03 Jun 2012 00:39:32 GMT

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19 May 2013: Noosa defeat University in Sunshine Coast Rugby Union round nine
14 May 2013: National Rugby League Women in League Round celebrates sons
7 May 2013: Caloundra defeat Nambour 24-10 in week seven of Sunshine Coast Rugby Union
7 May 2013: Black and Blue Belles win in Canberra Roller Derby League blowout
29 April 2013: Australian Jesse Williams drafted in fifth round by the NFL's Seattle Seahawks

Sunday, June 3, 2012

Melissa Rippon of Australia during a test match earlier this year between Great Britain and Australia in Canberra
Image: Laura Hale.

Overnight in China, the Australia women's national water polo team beat the China women's national water polo team 8–7 in the FINA Women's World League Super Finals semi finals to qualify for the gold medal match later tonight against the United States women's national water polo team who beat the Greece women's national water polo team 7–6 in their own qualifying match.

Australia trailed the Chinese 0–2 at the end of the first quarter before coming back to win. They were down 0–4 at one point before battling back for the win. Australia finished the second period with 3 goals, scored 3 more in the third period with China only able to score 2, and beat China in scoring in the fourth period with 2 goals to 1.

In the qualifying game between the United States and Greece, Courtney Mathewson and Kami Craig led the United States in scoring with two goals each. Ann Arbor, Michigan based goal keeper Betsey Armstrong had seven saves in net for her team. Greece performed better than Team USA during power plays, capitalising on one of their three shots while the United States was unable to score on any of their six opportunities.

The gold medal game is to be played at 19:00 local time in Changshu, China immediately following the bronze medal match between China and Greece being played at 17:40 local time. It will be a rematch of the VISA Water Polo International final, which Australia won.

In other matches played yesterday, the Germany women's national water polo team beat the Canada women's national water polo team 15–13 in an overtime penalty shootout to qualify for the fifth place match in their inaugural appearance in the competition, while the Russia women's national water polo team beat the Italy women's national water polo team 17–4. The fifth place match between Germany and Russia is to be played at 16:20 local time, while the seventh place match between Canada and Italy are to kick off the final round at 15:00 local time.

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Sources [edit]

"2012 Women's Results" — FINA, June 3, 2012
"USA Women Edge Greece 7-6; Will Meet Australia In Final Of FINA World League Super Final" — USA Water Polo, June 2, 2012
"Women's Programme" — FINA, June 2, 2012
Australian Water Polo. "WaterPoloAus" — Facebook, June 2, 2012 (date of access)
Australian Water Polo. "WaterpoloAus" — Twitter, June 2, 2012 (date of access)
yan. "USA, Australia to vie for title at FINA Women's Water Polo World League Super Final" — Xinhua News Agency, June 2, 2012

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Australia women's water polo team into FINA Women's World League Super Finals semi finals

Sat, 02 Jun 2012 12:01:39 GMT

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19 May 2013: Noosa defeat University in Sunshine Coast Rugby Union round nine
14 May 2013: National Rugby League Women in League Round celebrates sons
7 May 2013: Caloundra defeat Nambour 24-10 in week seven of Sunshine Coast Rugby Union
7 May 2013: Black and Blue Belles win in Canberra Roller Derby League blowout
29 April 2013: Australian Jesse Williams drafted in fifth round by the NFL's Seattle Seahawks

Saturday, June 2, 2012

(1) Victoria Brown and (4) Holly Lincoln-Smith during a test match earlier this year between Great Britain and Australia in Canberra
Image: Laura Hale.

Yesterday's quarter final match of the FINA Women's World League Super Finals saw the Australian women's water polo team easily beat Germany by 18 to nil. Australia will now go on to play China in the semi finals. If Australia wins, they will play in the gold medal game on Sunday night.

Nicola Zagame and Melissa Rippon led Australia in scoring with three goals each. Gemma Beadsworth, Holly Lincoln-Smith, Rowena Webster, Glencora Ralph, Kate Gynther each scored twice for Australia, and Sophie Smith and Jane Moran both scored a goal each to round out Australia's goal total. In the net for Australia, Alicia McCormack and Victoria Brown each made six saves.

In other quarter final matches, China beat Canada 13-7, Greece beat Russia 11-9, and the United States beat Italy 14-2. In other semi finals play, Canada will go up against Germany, Russia will play Italy and Greece will play the United States.

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Sources [edit]

"2012 Women's Results" — FINA, June 2, 2012
"FINA Women's World League Super Finals: Stingers into semis" — Australian Water Polo, June 2, 2012
AAP. "Stingers in world water polo medal round" — Sydney Morning Herald, June 2, 2012

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Cyprus leader says no to second term

Mon, 14 May 2012 18:25:58 GMT

Monday, May 14, 2012

Greek Cyprus President Demetris Christofias started his first term in 2008.

Cypriot President Demetris Christofias announced today he will not run for a second term to represent the Republic of Cyprus, which is the Greek portion of the island.

The president cited the lack of progress in talks with the Turks over the Turkish-Greek Cypriot conflict as his main reason for stepping aside. In a televised national address, Christofias said, "A realistic analysis of the facts leads to the conclusion that there are no real hopes for either resolving the Cyprus issue or achieving substantial progress in the remaining months of my presidency."

The United Nations had recently pulled out of hosting talks between the two parties because of the lack of progress.

Christofias said, "Taking as a fact that the Cyprus problem has not been solved and there does not appear to be definitive progress in the next few months ... I will not seek re-election as president of the Republic of Cyprus."

Christofias is making good on a campaign promise that if he was not able to make progress on resolving the conflict that he would step aside. The issue on UN reunification talks with the Turks divided Christofias and former president Tassos Papadopoulos in the 2008 election.

Every president of the Republic since independence in 1960 has sought a second term of office.

The island of Cyprus has been divided into two sectors since a coup by Greek unionists in 1974 was followed in response by a Turkish military invasion.

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Sources [edit]

Menelaos Hadjicostis. "Cyprus President Says He Won't Run for 2nd Term" — ABC News, May 14, 2012
"Cyprus president says will not seek re-election" — Reuters, May 14, 2012

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Armed robbers steal valuable statuettes from Olympia museum, Greece

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 20:52:28 GMT

Friday, February 17, 2012

Greece

Sources [edit]

AP. "Museum robbed at Greece's Ancient Olympia" — The Times of India, February 17, 2012
"Robbery at Ancient Olympia museum" — BBC News Online, February 17, 2012
AP. "Greek minister submits resignation after Ancient Olympia museum robbed" — The Globe and Mail, February 17, 2012

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European cold spell kills hundreds

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:39:37 GMT

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Weather

Sources [edit]

"Winter Tightens Icy Grip Across Europe" — Voice of America, February 8, 2012

"Deadly Cold Snap: European Deep Freeze Refuses to Relent" — Spiegel Online, February 7, 2012

"Europe’s deadly cold snap should ease from next week, UN agency says" — UN News Service, February 7, 2012

AFP. "Deadly cold snap 'to get worse'" — The Daily Telegraph (Australia), February 4, 2012

"Europe’s homeless dying in arctic conditions" — Euronews, February 3, 2012

"Cold weather death toll passes 100 in Ukraine" — BBC News Online, February 3, 2012

Laura Smith-Spark. "Europe's cold snap claims more lives" — CNN, February 3, 2012

"Cold snap takes heavy toll in Eastern Europe" — Deutsche Welle, February 3, 2012

"Homeless facing cold all over Europe" — Euronews, February 2, 2012

External links [edit]

For the current warnings across Europe see: Meteoalarm

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'Davos man' versus 'Camp Igloo'; 42nd World Economic Forum convenes in Swiss alps

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 04:52:14 GMT

Thursday, January 26, 2012

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A Wikinews introduction to the 2012 World Economic Forum.

Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel gave yesterday's opening address to the 42nd meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF), which is facing a distinctly different geo-political landscape from twelve months ago. Outside the WEF security cordon, in the sub-zero temperatures of Davos' train station car park, the local incarnation of the Occupy movement are setting up 'Camp Igloo'; but, with little hope of the archetypes of the 1%, 'Davos Man', arriving by public transport and seeing their sub-zero protest.

Occupy WEF protesters completing one of the 'Camp igloo' structures Saturday ahead of the 2012 World Economic Forum in Davos.
Image: @Occupy_WEF.

David Roth, heading the Swiss centre-left's youth wing — and an organiser of 'Camp Igloo', echoes much of the sentiment from 'Occupy' protests around the world; "[a]t meetings the rest of society is excluded from, this powerful '1 percent' negotiates and decides about the fate of the other 99 percent of this world, [...] economic and financial concentration of power in a small, privileged minority leads to a dictatorship over the rest of us. The motto 'one person, one vote' is no longer valid, but 'one dollar, one vote'."

Finishing touches being put to the 2012 conference's stage setup.
Image: World Economic Forum.

Roth's characterisation of 'Davos Man', a term coined by the Professor Samuel Huntington of Harvard University, is more emotive than that of the late professor who saw 'Davos man' as "[having...] little need for national loyalty, view[ing] national boundaries as obstacles that thankfully are vanishing, and see[ing] national governments as residues from the past whose only useful function is to facilitate the elite's global operations".

As Reuters highlights, many attendees will opt to make their way from Zurich to Davos by private jet, or helicopter, and the WEF itself provides handouts indicating the cost of such is 5,100 Swiss francs (approx. 5,500 USD, 3,500 GBP, 4,200 EUR). In contrast: travelling by rail, even when opting for first class — without an advance booking, is 145 Swiss francs (approx. 155 USD, 100 GBP).

Shifting fortunes see several past attendees missing this year's exclusive get-together in the alpine resort; for a second year running — and now caught up in the UK phone hacking scandal being scrutinised by Lord Leveson's inquiry — media mogul Rupert Murdoch will not be attending. Nor will the former head of financial services company UBS Oswald Gruebel, who resigned in the wake of US$2.3 billion losses incurred through unauthorised trading; likewise, Philipp Hildebrand, the ex-head of the Swiss National Bank, is absent following scandal associated with his wife's currency trading activities; and, although the sexual assault charges against Dominique Strauss-Kahn were dropped, having stepped down as managing director of the International Monetary Fund Strauss-Kahn will also be absent.

As the #OccupyWEF protesters were building igloos last weekend, an anti-WEF protest in the Swiss capital Berne was broken up by police, who stated their intent to prosecute participants in the illegal protest. Allegations of calls for violent protest action led to a high number of officers being involved. In the aftermath, charges of breach of the peace are to be brought against 153 people, with some targeted for more serious offences. At least one group involved in the protest described the police response as "disproportionate".

Image of Berne riot police dealing with an anti-WEF protest last weekend.
Image: agfreiburg, Flickr.

At 'Camp Igloo' Roth says he is seeking discussions with the WEF's expected 2,000 attendees; but his voice, and that of others in the worldwide 'Occupy' movement, is unlikely to be given a platform in the opening debate, "Is 20th-century capitalism failing 21st-century society?" He, and others taking part in this Swiss incarnation of the 'Occupy' movement, are still considering an invite to a side-session issued by the World Economic Forum's founder, Klaus Schwab; commenting on the invite Roth told the Associated Press they would prefer a debate at a more neutral venue.

A changing landscape of risks [edit]

As has been the case for several years now, the annual Forum meeting in Davos was preceded with the release of a special report by the World Economic Forum into risks seen as likely to have an impact the in the coming decade. The 2012 Global Risks Report is a hefty document; the 64-page report is backed with a variety of visualisation tools designed to allow the interrelations between risks to be viewed, how risks interact modelled, and their potential impacts considered — as assessed by the WEF's panel of nearly 500 experts.

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The WEF video introduction to their 2012 Risk Report.
Image: World Economic Forum.

As one would expect, economic risks top both the 2012 impact and likelihood charts. Climate change is pushed somewhat further down the list of concerns likely to drive discussions in Davos. "Major systemic financial failure" — the collapse of a globally important financial institution, or world currency, is selected as the risk which carries the most potential impact.

However, "Chronic fiscal imbalances" — failing to address excessive government debt, and "Severe income disparity" — a widening of the the gulf between rich and poor, top the list of most likely risks.

At the other end of the tables, disagreeing respectively with the weight last year's Wikinews report gave to orbital debris, and the Motion Picture Association of America's (MPAA) fight with the Internet over copyright legislation, the 2012 Global Risks Report places "Proliferation of Orbital Debris" and "Failure of intellectual property regime" bottom of the league in terms of potential impact.

In 2011, with the current global economic crisis well under-way, "Fiscal crises" topped the WEF risks with the largest potential impact in the next ten years. However, perceived as most likely a year ago, "Storms and cyclones", "Flooding", and "Biodiversity loss" — all climate-change related points — were placed ahead of "Economic disparity" and "Fiscal crises".

More mundane risks overtake the spectre of terrorism when contrasting this year's report with the 2011 one; volatility in the prices of commodities, consumer goods, and energy, and the security of water supplies are all now ranked as more likely risks than terrorism — though the 2011 report did rank some of these concerns as having a higher potential impact. A significant shift in perception sees the 2012 report highlight food shortages almost as likely a risk the world will face over the next decade; and, one with a far more significant impact.

Dealing on the Davos sidelines [edit]

Attending the World Economic Forum at Davos is more than just an opportunity to discuss the current state of the global economy, and review the risks which face countries around the world. With such a high number of political and business leaders in attendance, it is an ideal opportunity to pursue new trade deals.

File photo of Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
Image: Ted Buracas.

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper is, in addition to being a keynote speaker, expected to pursue improved relations with European and Asian trade partners at private meetings on the Forum sidelines. The Toronto Star reports Harper is likely to push forward an under-negotiation Canadian-European free-trade agreement, and hold closed-door discussions prior to next month's planned trip to China.

Similarly, Canadian trade minister Ed Fast is expected to meet South Korean counterparts to discuss an equivalent deal to the preferential ones between the Asian nation and the US and Europe. Fast's deal does, however, face opposition at home; the Canadian Auto Workers union asserts that such a deal would put 33,0000 jobs at-risk.

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British Prime Minister David Cameron and chancellor George Osborne are expected to discuss a possible increase of UK funding to the International Monetary Fund (IMF); however, with the UK responsible for 4.5% of the US$400 billion in the IMF's lending fund, backbench MPs have warned that committing any additional funds could provoke a Conservative revolt in parliament. Tuesday's IMF cut of predicted global growth from 4% to 3.3%, warnings of a likely Eurozone recession in 2012, and ongoing problems with Greek financial restructuring, are likely discussion topics at Davos — as well as amongst UK backbench MPs who see adding to the IMF war-chest as bailing out failed European economies.

South Africa, less centre-stage during the 2011 Forum, will be looking to improve relationships and take advantage of their higher profile. President Jacob Zuma and several cabinet members are attending sessions and discussions; whilst former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown is to moderate a session, "Africa — From Transition to Transformation", with Nigeria, Guinea, and South Sudan's presidents on the panel. Wal-mart's CEO Doug McMillon is to lead a dinner session, "Shared Opportunities for Africa's Future" — highlighting larger multinationals looking towards the continent for new opportunities.

Davos may also serve as a place to progress disputes out of the public eye; a high-profile dispute between Chile's state-owned copper mining business, Codelco, and Anglo American plc over the 5.39 billion USD sale of a near-quarter stake in their Chilean operations to Japan's Mitsubishi, prompted the Financial Times to speculate that, as the respective company chiefs — Diego Hernández and Cynthia Carroll — are expected to attend, they could privately discuss the spat during the Forum.

Sources [edit]

This article features first-hand journalism by Wikinews members. See the collaboration page for more details.

This article is a featured article. It is considered one of the best works of the Wikinews community. See Wikinews:Featured articles for more information.

Angela Charlton (AP). "AP Interview: Davos Forum founder says capitalism is out of balance, warns conflicts await" — Newser, January 24, 2012
Graeme Wearden, Julia Kollewe. "Eurozone crisis live: Greek creditors defiant after EU ministers reject deal" — The Guardian, January 24, 2012
John Ivison. "Settling a beef with S. Korea" — National Post, January 24, 2012
Simon Kennedy. "Davos Man Diminished by Scandal With Murdoch Perennials Missing" — Bloomberg L.P., January 23, 2012
Emma Thomasson, Ben Hirschler. "Davos man weighs future of capitalism" — Reuters, January 23, 2012
Tonda MacCharles, Les Whittington. "Stephen Harper heads to rub elbows, twist arms at Davos forum" — Toronto Star, January 23, 2012
"Police to press charges over anti-WEF demo" — Swissinfo, January 22, 2012
Alec Hogg. "Africa is back in the limelight for WEF 2012" — Moneyweb, January 19, 2012
Jude Webber. "Codelco attacks Anglo over ‘illegitimate’ sale" — Financial Times, January 19, 2012
"Chancellor faces Tory rebellion as UK considers boost for IMF" — Yorkshire Post, January 18, 2012
Adrian Monck. "Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel Opens World Economic Forum Annual Meeting" — World Economic Forum, January 18, 2012
"Global Risks 2012 - Seventh Edition" — World Economic Forum, January 2012
"Global Risks 2011 - Sixth Edition" — World Economic forum, 2011
Timothy Garton Ash. "Davos man's death wish" — February 2, 2005

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Valuable paintings stolen from Greek gallery

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 19:47:15 GMT

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Culture and entertainment

Sources [edit]

"Picasso painting stolen from Greek gallery" — BBC, January 9, 2012
NewsCore. "Picasso Stolen in Raid on Greek Art Gallery" — Fox News, January 9, 2012

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Cypriot court clears all of wrongdoing in Greek air disaster

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 18:38:37 GMT

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Cyprus

Sister links [edit]

Helios Airways Flight 522 on Wikipedia.

Sources [edit]

This article is a featured article. It is considered one of the best works of the Wikinews community. See Wikinews:Featured articles for more information.

Agence France-Presse. "Cyprus to appeal Helios crash aquittals" — MSN, December 22, 2011
Stelios Orphanide. "Cypriot Attorney General to Appeal Helios Airlines Acquittal" — Business Week, December 22, 2011
"Defendants in Helios case acquitted - full details" — Famagusta Gazette, December 22, 2011
Alexis Pantelides. "Helios defendants acquitted" — Cyprus Mail, December 22, 2011
Menelaos Hadjicostis (Associated Press). "Cyprus Court Acquits 4 in Helios Plane Crash" — ABC News, December 21, 2011
George Psyllides. "Helios crash witness saw cockpit ‘shoot off like a meteorite’" — Cyprus Mail, March 18, 2010

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Greek PM survives confidence vote

Sat, 05 Nov 2011 14:24:52 GMT

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Greek Prime Minister, George Papandreou
Image: Ηράκλειο.

Greece

Sources [edit]

Associated Press. "Greece prime minister survives confidence vote, may step aside" — MSNBC, November 4, 2011
Associated Press. "Greek PM Promises Powersharing Talks, Survives Confidence Vote Despite Handling of Debt Deal" — Fox News, November 4, 2011
BBC News. "Greek PM Papandreou faces unity challenge over bailout" — BBC News Online, November 5, 2011

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Greek lawmakers pass new austerity law despite violent protests

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 23:04:45 GMT

Friday, October 21, 2011

Greece

Sources [edit]

"Greek lawmakers pass new austerity law despite protests" — CNN, October 21, 2011
Reuters. "Greece faces austerity vote, more strikes" — Business Live, October 20, 2011
"Greece OKs austerity measures needed for aid" — The Chicago Tribune, October 20, 2011
"Can Greece ever pay back its debts?" — BBC, 19 October 2011

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'Davos man' versus 'Camp Igloo'; 42nd World Economic Forum convenes in Swiss alps

A changing landscape of risks [edit]

Dealing on the Davos sidelines [edit]

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